Keir Starmer has expressed concern over a Russian-backed assault on a London warehouse, highlighting the risks posed by Vladimir Putin’s government to the British population. The Prime Minister pledged to intensify efforts to prevent other global leaders from acquiring “compromised resources” from Russia. Standing alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Starmer condemned the recent sentencing of six individuals for a Russian-sponsored arson attack on a warehouse in East London. The facility stored humanitarian aid and satellite equipment intended for Ukraine, emphasizing the mutual security interests between the nations.
Starmer accused Vladimir Putin of prolonging the conflict in Ukraine by targeting civilians and critical infrastructure, demonstrating a lack of willingness to negotiate peace. Highlighting the tragic consequences of Putin’s actions, Starmer mentioned the deaths of a 12-year-old girl and a six-month-old baby in recent strikes. The orchestrated arson, conducted on behalf of the Wagner paramilitary group, was deemed part of a wider campaign of terrorism and sabotage in support of the Russian state. Dylan Earl, the British orchestrator of the attack, received a 17-year prison sentence for causing significant damage to a warehouse owned by a Ukrainian couple who supplied communication devices to Ukraine’s military.
Ukrainian President Zelensky urged allies to stand firm against Russia and avoid rewarding aggression or territorial violations. Emphasizing the need for a just and lasting resolution to the conflict, Zelensky called for unwavering support from the international community. Starmer rejected Putin’s unrealistic demands for Ukrainian territory, asserting the unity of the “coalition of the willing” and the strengthened alliance with the US in advocating for peace in Ukraine. The Prime Minister commended the solidarity of over 30 nations in supporting Ukraine and ending the bloodshed, emphasizing the collective determination to resist Putin’s obstructive tactics and unjust territorial ambitions.